Case
The Demanding Parent

You, a high school history teacher, had a student in your class who would have benefited more from a remedial class. But her parents insisted on placing her in his class. Because the student felt pressured to live up to her parents' expectations, she plagiarized a homework paper. The student's parents seems to be more concerned with her grades than with the knowledge and skills she attained in school. How would you resolve this?

Posted on: 03/02/13 | Views: 1101
Solution #1
I would have a conference with the parents and explain to them that what their child is doing is not acceptable. I would suggests that the child be moved back to a remedial class as her grades and performance in the class are not showing the results anyone desires. I would provide proof to back my claim and would explain that the grade does not always correlate to the knowledge the student acquired. However, in this situation, it appears that the grade does, in fact, correlate to her knowledge of the material. I would explain to the parents that I want to see their child do the best she possibly can, but with her placement, the expectations set are too hard for her to attain. I would work with the parents hand in hand to promote a resolution to the problem, and would vow to do my best to see their daughter succeed. I would thank them for coming in, and express to them that they may come by anytime to talk if need be.

I agree with this solution, but the only thing I would do different is have an administrator involved with you when you present the information to the parent.

I agree with this solution.

15 0
Solution #2
I would contact the parents for a parent teacher meeting and explain to them that the students grades will only improve once they being to grasp the concepts discussed in class, and these concepts will only be grasped if the work meets the child's intellectual level. If the parent does not want the student in a different "special" classroom then I would recommend hiring a tutor or maybe pulling the student out of class for a short amount of time each day to work with the student on the subject matter being taught. Although these are possible solutions, you should try your best to convince the parent that a remedial class may be the best option for their child's educational well-being and those other options should only be considered if the parents ABSOLUTELY refuse to consent to a remedial class for the student.

I agree with this solution. The parents need to know how the pressure is effecting the student and that remedial may be a better route.

I agree with the solution used. I feel that it would be most beneficial for the student and the family to have a conference. In the conference I would explain my feelings as to why I thought she was struggling, and kindly explain what the added pressure is seemingly causing.

This is the action i would take towards this issue and agree this is the best solution

10 0
Solution #3
I would schedule a conference with an administrator and guidance counselor present to discuss the ramifications of the pressure put on the student. I would also bring the plagiarized paper to show the parents, and explain that placing a student in a class that they do not feel comfortable in is more detrimental than anything.
7 0